Secret consultation documents finally released after the Morning Star’s two-year freedom of information battle show the Home Office misrepresented public opinion, claiming support for policies that most respondents actually strongly criticised as dangerous and unfair, writes SOLOMON HUGHES

ON OCTOBER 8, Greta Thunberg was set to speak in the West German metropolis of Dortmund, where since May, activists and students had maintained a pro-Palestinian encampment near the university. However, giving very short notice, the Dortmund police banned the Swedish climate activist from taking part in a pro-Palestinian event.
The authorities explained that they had drawn up a “danger forecast” after “intensive examination” and come up with the assessment that, “the most recent events in connection with Thunberg led to the assessment that she is a participant who is prepared to use violence.”
What was meant by “recent events” was not specified. German media speculated that it was about Thunberg’s involvement in the demonstrations in Berlin last Monday, on October 7.


